WESTWOOD—The Borough Council will hold a public hearing June 13 to vote on approving nearly $1 million in bonds and another $150,000 from capital surplus to fund various public improvements including purchase of a sewer jet cleaner and the refurbishing of the Voorhis Park basketball courts.
The council unanimously introduced seven ordinances on May 16 that appropriated a total of $850,000 in bonds and $150,000 in general capital fund surplus monies for local upgrades, purchases and projects.
The $850,000 in bonds includes: $150,000 for refurbishing of Voorhis Park basketball courts; $110,000 for the purchase of computer equipment; and $565,000 for public improvements and machinery acquisition. The $565,000 in bonds includes: $90,000 for a pickup truck for use by the public works department (DPW); $70,000 for replacement of sidewalks near borough parks; and $405,000 for the purchase of a sewer jet machine for DPW use.
Moreover, the $150,000 appropriated from general capital surplus includes: $120,000 for purchase of fire safety equipment for the volunteer fire department; $20,000 for improvements to the Community Center and its irrigation system (plus $50,000 from Recreation Trust Fund); $10,000 to acquire and install a walkway cover over the police department entrance; and $5,300 for additional costs to install a salt shed at the DPW facility.
Originally, the council appropriated $30,000 for the salt shed’s purchase and installation.
Borough administrator Durene Ayer said it would likely take a couple years before the sewer jet machine arrives, due to supply chain backups.
She noted the police department walkway would help protect visitors and officers from the elements and occasionally bird droppings.